Phasor and Thales Alenia Space are set to co-develop a software-defined, smart terminal for commercial Ka satellite communications with a memorandum of understanding, Phasor says. Phasor can leverage its capability in the field of electronically steerable antennas (ESA), while Thales Alenia Space can bring its capabilities in satellite broadband technology across geostationary, medium and low earth orbits (GEO, MEO and LEO) to the table.

Phasor’s ESA can be flat for conformal, allowing for a simpler fitting. It uses the same technology that can support fixed satellite networks (FSS), high-throughput satellite (HTS) and non-geosynchronous (NGSO) satellite networks. The antenna can be scaled to any fixed or mobile use-case requirement. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between majority-owner Thales and Leonardo, is one of the main suppliers to the International Space Station. The company’s telecom segment accounts for half its business.